Springs Soccer named city’s official travel team; new club partnership announced
A monthslong battle over the future of youth soccer in Coral Springs came to a tentative end Wednesday night, as commissioners unanimously approved a contract making Springs Soccer Club the city’s official travel and developmental soccer provider for the foreseeable future.
This gives the program special recognition by the city and field scheduling priority, incorporating it into the city’s Parks and Recreation programming alongside Coral Springs Youth Soccer, which provides recreational opportunities.
Much of the evening’s soccer discussion, however, focused on new items surrounding city sports.
Here’s what to know.
Coral Springs Youth Soccer announces partnership with Fort Lauderdale United
Two major players in the youth soccer debate returned to public comment Wednesday night with a new development. Coral Springs Youth Soccer President Denise Fatigate announced that in the coming year, the organization will be partnering with Fort Lauderdale United FC, which previously entered a bid for the city’s travel and development contract..
Fort Lauderdale United FC initially came out in first place after a committee ranked which bids to advance to the next round of discussion, but ultimately the members decided to recommend Springs Soccer Club, under RLC Management, for final approval by the commission.
“This partnership with the United organization will bring dynamic new opportunities to our players,” Fatigate said.
She talked about sessions in which youth can learn directly from professional players and trainers, increased support for coaches, and special events for volunteers and the broader community.
“We know that Coral Springs families value choice, whether they’re playing at a high competitive level or just learning the basics,” Fatigate said. “We remain fully committed to providing a premier recreational program that’s fun, accessible and competitive. We trust the commission will continue to support a wide range of opportunities for our residents.”
Tommy Smith, chairman of Fort Lauderdale United FC, also testified before the commission, asking officials to reconsider his team as an additional youth soccer vendor.
In addition to providing additional events, clinics, coaching and internships, Smith said that United remains interested in establishing a team similar to the Junior Panthers hockey league, with full-time college recruiting.
“We estimate a community investment of the following: installation of a mini pitch sponsored by the Gainbridge Super League, annual field donations, travel/rec scholarship funds. (We) estimate that value over five years is approximately $2 million,” Smith said.
“I honestly come here today just to be a partner in the community. Coral Springs has done a lot for myself, my family. You know, we really want to be a part of the community.”
Commissioners were quick to say that they supported the competitive environment, but had questions about how such a partnership would work.
“If Fort Lauderdale United has this opportunity to help grow other soccer players and not necessarily be taking away from the bid that we’re planning to award at this juncture (to Springs Soccer Club), I’m all in,” Mayor Scott Brook said.
Deputy City Manager Brad McKeone said Coral Springs Youth Soccer has the right to “work with whoever they want.”
“Our vision was always that all the programs would work together,” he said.
Additional investment in the city, such as field and facility donations, would have to go through a longer process, according to City Manager Catherine Givens, who told the commissioners her staff can work on an official agreement and bring it back to them for approval at a later time.
Residents raise concerns about added costs
Brian Jessup, whose daughter currently plays on an SSC team, raised questions about additional cost burdens on families.
“The tuition for me next year is $3,100. It’s going to cost me, personally, an extra $760 for my daughter to play soccer in the city of Coral Springs next year,” Jessup said. “Does that make sense to you guys? Do you guys really need my $760? I know a lot of the parents that I’ve been speaking to on my phone express the same concerns.”
Commissioners and city staff later responded by explaining that the revenue sharing agreement was created to ensure proper field management and care, adding that these fees are in line with industry standards.
However, officials did direct staff to consider alternative ways to reduce burdens on local families, including scholarships, payment plans and other unspecified aid.
“We’re prepared to try to help the residents any way we possibly can,” Parks and Recreation Director Rob Hunter said.
